Ruby Etta Mitchell

Ruby Etta Mitchell “Grandmother” was born January 24, 1936 and left this earthly life December 28, 2021.

Born in Mills County, TX to Verdis and Henrietta Ratliff being the first of two children which was completed when her brother Larry was born. Ruby grew up in Stanton, graduating from Stanton High School, shortly after Ruby met and then married the love of her life Wade Mitchell on April 24, 1954 which started the foundation for their amazing family. Upon Wade’s return from his service in the United States Army they moved to Andrews, relocating to Stanton and then to their final life residency in Midland.

Visitation will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Monday January 3, 2022 from 6:00-8:00pm, with services being at Fairmont Park Church of Christ Tuesday January 4, 2022 at 10:00 am with internment at Resthaven.

Ruby attended Midland College and prided herself with bookkeeping positions for Midland County and JC Penny. Wade purchased Petro Communications in the late 70’s where she held various positions continuing as the office manager until her retirement from Petro in the early 1990’s.

Ruby was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ beginning in Ft. Worth & Jax congregation before she and Wade came to their Fairmont Park Church of Christ family in Midland which led to amazing and loving fellowship, with strong friendships with all, and especially the “Banditos Group”, where laughter and true friendships abound. Ruby loved the travel she and Wade did that included memorable trips to Hawaii, and one of her favorites which was the Alaskan Cruise they shared. Some of the most memorable times were made with “Cousin Camps” where they would take every grandchild all together for weekend trips to their loved lake area in Colorado City, as well as the many special Easter celebrations at the lake, and Christmas overnights with the grandchildren.

Ruby loved and cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the love they have for Grandmother will be with them forever. Ruby was so generous with herself to help others, she worked to bring the program for Christian Ministry to Incarcerated Women within Midland County. While Ruby enjoyed her cooking, along with all things involving a needle and thread, from quilting to crochet. She also found comfort with pleasure from painting and the sounds of the many birds she provided homes for.

Left to honor and cherish Ruby’s memory are her children Allen Mitchell, Mike Mitchell (wife Gayle), Debbie Sawyer, and Charity Black; her grandchildren, Jerrod Sawyer (wife Tricia), Timothy Mitchell (wife Heather), Jason Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell (wife Caitlin), Patrick Mitchell (Lisa), Rusty Mitchell (wife Crystal), Michelle Green (husband Ryan), Claudia Black, Isaac Black, Emily Black, Macy Mikeska; great grandchildren, Kaileigha Sawyer, Micah Sawyer, Noah Sawyer, Nehemiah Sawyer, Cordeleigha Sawyer, Elizabeth Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Alice Mitchell, Khloe Mitchell, Jackson Mitchell, Logan Mitchell. She will be missed and valued for eternity by her childhood and lifelong friend Zelda Henley.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” Revelation 21:4 Ruby now rejoices with those who preceded her in death: her precious husband Wade in 2016, brother Larry Ratliff, daughter in law Charlotte Mitchell and first-born grandson Tommy Sawyer all in 2019.

Ruby valued and the family thanks her caregivers for the love and great care given from Linda, Irma, Juana, Janette, Emma, and Ruby.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Timothy, Kevin, Jason, Patrick, Rusty, Jerrod and Isaac.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.